Framer is a design-first platform for designers seeking complete creative control and modern interactions, while Squarespace is a template-based website builder prioritizing ease of use for non-designers. Framer excels in design flexibility and performance; Squarespace excels in simplicity and guided workflows.
Framer vs Squarespace — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Code-powered design tool for interactive prototypes and motion design
All-in-one website builder with premium design templates and integrated SEO tools
Design Approach. Learning Curve for Non-Designers. Creative Control. CMS Capabilities (2025-2026). Page Load Speed. Setup Time for Professional Site. Best Use Case
Choose Framer if you are a designer or have design skills and want complete creative control, modern interactions, and a built-in CMS without plugins. Choose Squarespace if you need a professional website quickly, lack design expertise, and prefer guided templates with minimal decision-making. For e-commerce specifically, Squarespace's integrated tools may offer better out-of-box functionality.
Framer: Basic (simple product pages) | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Intermediate (good for marketing content) | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Fast (Figma import, instant publish) | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Gentle (design-first approach) | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Basic/Limited | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Limited collaboration features | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Full CMS with collections | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Basic components | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Native hosting included | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Code export and CSS access | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: 1-20 (optimal) | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: $12/month | Squarespace: $15/month (Commerce Basic)
Framer: Not available | Squarespace: $23-33/month
Framer: 8-10 hours | Squarespace: 2-3 hours
Framer: ~1,800 reviews (Capterra estimate) | Squarespace: 3,394 reviews (Capterra)
Framer: Full relational CMS with cross-references | Squarespace: Basic collections only
Framer: Scroll triggers, gestures, Squircle UI, advanced state | Squarespace: Block animations, limited transitions
Framer: Vercel-powered with auto-scaling | Squarespace: Proprietary global CDN included
Framer: No, requires third-party integration | Squarespace: Yes, with inventory and payments
Framer: Yes - relational collections with AI | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Limited (on-page editing only) | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: 1.2-1.8s (optimized by default) | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Yes - interactions, content generation, UX optimization | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: $19/month | Squarespace: $15/month (Starter plan)
Framer: $54/month | Squarespace: $33/month (Core plan)
Framer: 14-28 days | Squarespace: 1-3 days
Framer: 4.7/5 stars | Squarespace: 4.4/5 stars (3,394 reviews)
Framer: Relational CMS with AI content features (2025-2026) | Squarespace: Basic content management; third-party integrations needed
Framer: Yes, with product management and checkout | Squarespace: Yes, integrated with advanced product filters (April 2026)
Framer: Real-time multiplayer, live cursors, shared workspaces | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Unlimited with code-based logic and variants | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Limited native extensibility; API available | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Included; publish live sites with custom domains | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Yes, native export | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Variants and tokens (growing capability) | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Web-only (browser-based) | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: $19/month | Squarespace: $11/month
Framer: Basic variant support | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: 3-5 (via limited API) | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: 9/10 (full code access) | Squarespace: 40% - template parameter-based
Framer: 4-8 (design-heavy) | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Yes, unlimited projects | Squarespace: Yes, managed hosting
Total Monthly Cost (with Required Services)
Framer: Full timeline, gesture controls, 60fps native | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Unlimited simultaneous users | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: No direct Adobe integration | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Full code export, design tokens, component library generation | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: JavaScript/React fundamentals required | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Basic component library, limited design token support | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: 12% of design teams | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Auto-deploy, custom domains, serverless functions | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: 150+ integrations | Squarespace: N/A
Monthly Subscription Cost (Professional Plan)
Framer: $12/month (billed annually) | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: 5-10 simultaneous users | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: 90% (native React generation) | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Advanced animations, gestures, scroll triggers, full prototypes | Squarespace: N/A
Monthly Subscription Cost (Individual Plan)
Framer: $12/month (Pro plan) or Free tier | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Unlimited (infinite canvas) | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Unlimited simultaneous editors | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: React, HTML, CSS, SVG, PNG, code snippets | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Unlimited (code-based logic and conditions) | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Unlimited projects | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: 150+ integrations and community extensions | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: React component export, live code editor, CSS-in-JS, Figma sync | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: N/A (no native e-commerce) | Squarespace: 3% + $0.30
Framer: Yes - included with all plans | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Basic (meta, OG tags) | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: $12/month (Free limited) or $25/month (Pro) | Squarespace: N/A
Team Collaboration - Simultaneous Editors
Framer: Up to 5 team members (limited real-time) | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Basic component library without token system | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Full React component code with logic | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: 200+ integrations and components | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Unlimited but degrades with complexity | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Yes, with Framer branding | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: 0 (third-party only) | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Full React/JSX, npm packages, any library | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: $16/month (included)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Not available
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Limited integrations
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: More attractive & polished aesthetics
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Extensive, section-based editor
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Advanced, highly customizable
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: SSL certificate, daily backups, security updates
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: 2/10 (minimal)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Plan-dependent
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: 50+ professional designs
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: 15–30 minutes
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: 4.5/5 (3,394 reviews)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Automatic (all templates mobile-optimized)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: 3,396 reviews
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: No native B2B support
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Limited integrations (primarily Squarespace native)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Basic API, limited headless support
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Basic coupon and discount tools
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: All paid plans included
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: 14-day trial only
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: $12-33 (Creator/Business)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: 3-4% per transaction
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Unlimited (with per-transaction fees)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: 70+ professionally designed templates
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Requires integration (Mailchimp, Klaviyo, etc.)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Limited; requires apps or custom integration
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Advanced on-page SEO, image optimization, blogging
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: 14 days free; no credit card required
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: $15 (Business plan starts here)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: 1-2 hours (drag-and-drop)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: 1+ million stores
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: 24/7 phone and chat support
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: $180-276 (included)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Unlimited (Commerce plan)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Limited/Not published
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Basic (single-location, limited variants)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Limited; mainly Facebook and Instagram
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Full drag-and-drop with no coding needed
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: $16/month (Personal)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: 500+ built-in integrations
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Yes (all plans)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Phone, Chat, Email (24/7)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: $23 (Business plan with e-commerce)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: ~200 pre-built apps
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: $0 (included in plan)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: 5 (template + drag-drop limits)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Instagram Shop only (1)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Limited API with restricted code
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: 2-4 hours (drag-and-drop)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Limited/No direct API
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: 500 free/month built-in
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: 3% on third-party payments
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Premium, cohesive design system
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: ~200 integrated apps
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Included in all plans
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Up to 20% off
How to choose between Framer and Squarespace
Framer vs Squarespace — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Framer vs Squarespace. Contains 195 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Framer vs Squarespace — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Framer vs Squarespace.
Do I need design skills to use Framer or Squarespace?
Squarespace requires no design skills—templates guide you through the process with drag-and-drop simplicity. Framer assumes design knowledge; it's built for people comfortable making creative decisions. If you don't have design experience, Squarespace is significantly easier to launch with.
Which platform is better for e-commerce?
Both support e-commerce, but Squarespace has more out-of-the-box features (product filters, integrated analytics, email marketing). Framer offers more design flexibility for custom storefronts but requires more setup effort. For non-designers selling products, Squarespace is the faster choice.
Can I manage content without a developer on either platform?
Yes. Squarespace has built-in content management through its dashboard. Framer now offers a relational CMS (2025-2026 update) with no plugins or third-party tools needed, plus AI content generation features. Both are no-code solutions.
Which loads faster—Framer or Squarespace?
Framer is optimized for modern page speed with its infrastructure. Squarespace's heavier template structure can slow load times on complex sites, though both meet acceptable web standards. Framer edges ahead for performance-critical applications.
What if I want to switch platforms later?
Both platforms allow content export, but Squarespace makes migration easier with more established export tools. Framer sites are design-heavy, so moving away may require redesign work. Consider long-term needs before choosing.
How to Choose Between Framer and Squarespace
Design Approach: Framer has Code-free design system with component reusability (like Figma), while Squarespace has Pre-built templates with guided customization.
Consider: Learning Curve for Non-Designers
Learning Curve for Non-Designers: Framer has Steep; requires design thinking and creative vision, while Squarespace has Minimal; drag-and-drop interface with templates.
Creative Control: Framer has Unlimited; pixel-perfect design customization available, while Squarespace has Limited to template parameters and block customization.
CMS Capabilities (2025-2026): Framer has Built-in relational CMS with no plugins required, AI content features, while Squarespace has Basic content management; requires third-party integrations for advanced features.
Page Load Speed: Framer has Optimized for modern performance with Framer's infrastructure, while Squarespace has Good performance but heavier template structure can impact speed.
Consider: Setup Time for Professional Site
Setup Time for Professional Site: Framer has 2-4 weeks (design + build time required), while Squarespace has 1-3 days (templates accelerate launch).
Best Use Case: Framer has Designers, creative agencies, portfolio sites, custom web apps, while Squarespace has Small businesses, e-commerce stores, service providers, non-technical users.